EEOC Settles Age Discrimination Suit Against Woodburn, Oregon Fertilizer Company Owner

55-Year-Old Secretary Harassed, Mistreated Because of Age, Agency Charged.

Salem-News.com

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Woodburn- based Scott and Patty Corporation, formerly known as Woodburn Fertilizer, Inc., will pay $85,000 to settle an age discrimination lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced today.

The EEOC had charged in its lawsuit (Case No. CV 06-1109-MWM in U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon), filed in July this year, that Woodburn Fertilizer subjected a longtime 55-year-old accounting secretary to harassment and unequal treatment because of her age in violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). Scott and Patty Corporation denies liability.

As part of the settlement, Scott and Patty Corporation agreed to pay $85,000 to the former secretary. The company also reaffirmed its commitment to the laws prohibiting employment discrimination. The company, which no longer owns the Woodburn Fertilizer operation, agreed to train its managers, supervisors and employees and voluntarily provide information to the EEOC if the Scott and Patty Corporation does any business employing more than 15 employees within the next three years.

"The EEOC is committed to fighting age discrimination in the workplace," said EEOC San Francisco District Director Joan Ehrlich. "Employers should not let age-based myths and stereotypes enter the workplace. Employment decisions must be based on merit and ability, not age"

The EEOC is the federal government agency that enforces the nation's laws prohibiting discrimination in employment based on race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy and wage bias), religion, national origin, age, disability, and retaliation. Further information about the EEOC is available on its web site at eeoc.gov.